How to resolve AdBlock issue?
X
Review Detail
Kids Fiction
925
charming high seas adventure
Overall rating
4.0
Plot/Characters/Writing Style
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
EMILY WINDSNAP AND THE PIRATE PRINCE is the eighth book in the Emily Windsnap series, but easily functions as a stand-alone. Emily is a 13-year-old girl whose mother is human and father is a merman. Thus, Emily is half-mermaid and transforms into a mermaid whenever she goes into the water. Emily is traveling on a cruise with her mother, her mother’s best friend, and Emily’s boyfriend, Aaron, when the ship is set upon by pirates.
The Pirate King has challenged his two sons to various contests, and in the process, the elder son has kidnapped Aaron for his knowledge about the area. Wanting to save Aaron, Emily strikes a bargain with the younger son. She will help him and pretend to be his captive in exchange for his help rescuing Aaron. As they set sail on an elaborate treasure hunt, Emily learns more about the pirates and their unlikely crew becomes a new place where Emily can feel at home. However, she is still hiding a secret about being a mermaid, as pirates hate mermaids.
What I loved: This is a very fun action/adventure that will keep readers turning the pages quickly. With an elaborate treasure hunt and short timelines, there’s a lot going on. In addition to that, there are also some great messages about prejudice/hate, leadership qualities, and fitting in. The book handles them all with aplomb. Particularly with regards to prejudice both handling sexism and speciesism (general hatred of mermaids) that can start some important conversations.
This charming story is well-suited to the middle grade audience. The themes are perfectly on target for this age group with a lovely added adventure to keep the audience hooked. Although Emily is 13 and has a boyfriend, she reads as much younger and the dating elements are more like best friends (there is a chaste kiss in the book but nothing more significant).
What left me wanting more: My only (small) concern was the general lack of consideration of parents. Emily leaves without telling hers where she is going, and Sam (the pirate prince) has parents which are generally terrible. This is not unheard of for the young audience, but it would have been nice to see some typical parents and more typical reactions (e.g. Emily’s parents do not seem too concerned at the end).
Final verdict: Overall, this is an action-packed and delightful book that will definitely appeal to middle grade readers. I would highly recommend for young readers who love pirates, mermaids, and adventures on the high seas. This book is sure to charm a broad audience.
The Pirate King has challenged his two sons to various contests, and in the process, the elder son has kidnapped Aaron for his knowledge about the area. Wanting to save Aaron, Emily strikes a bargain with the younger son. She will help him and pretend to be his captive in exchange for his help rescuing Aaron. As they set sail on an elaborate treasure hunt, Emily learns more about the pirates and their unlikely crew becomes a new place where Emily can feel at home. However, she is still hiding a secret about being a mermaid, as pirates hate mermaids.
What I loved: This is a very fun action/adventure that will keep readers turning the pages quickly. With an elaborate treasure hunt and short timelines, there’s a lot going on. In addition to that, there are also some great messages about prejudice/hate, leadership qualities, and fitting in. The book handles them all with aplomb. Particularly with regards to prejudice both handling sexism and speciesism (general hatred of mermaids) that can start some important conversations.
This charming story is well-suited to the middle grade audience. The themes are perfectly on target for this age group with a lovely added adventure to keep the audience hooked. Although Emily is 13 and has a boyfriend, she reads as much younger and the dating elements are more like best friends (there is a chaste kiss in the book but nothing more significant).
What left me wanting more: My only (small) concern was the general lack of consideration of parents. Emily leaves without telling hers where she is going, and Sam (the pirate prince) has parents which are generally terrible. This is not unheard of for the young audience, but it would have been nice to see some typical parents and more typical reactions (e.g. Emily’s parents do not seem too concerned at the end).
Final verdict: Overall, this is an action-packed and delightful book that will definitely appeal to middle grade readers. I would highly recommend for young readers who love pirates, mermaids, and adventures on the high seas. This book is sure to charm a broad audience.
Comments
Already have an account? Log in now or Create an account
Powered by JReviews
How to resolve AdBlock issue?
X
FEATURED GIVEAWAYS
Giveaway: Happily Ever Afters (Elise Bryant) ~ (US Only)
Happily Ever Afters (US Only) by: Elise Bryant Release Date: January 5th, 2021 Publisher: Harpercollins Children's Books/Balzer + Bray About the Book: Jane the Virgin meets To All...
Posted in News & Updates
Author Chat with Amanda Hocking (The Ever After), Plus Giveaway! ~ (US Only)
Today we're excited to chat with Amanda Hocking author of The Ever After. Read on for more about Amanda and her book, plus a giveaway! Meet Amanda Hocking ! AMANDA HOCKING ...
Posted in News & Updates
Author Of The Week: Author Chat with Alexandra Bracken (Lore), Plus Giveaway! ~ (US Only)
Welcome to our weekly special feature post, Author Of The Week !! Each week we will be interviewing a different YA author and highlighting their upcoming release! We will also be hosting a givea...
Posted in News & Updates
Exclusive Trailer Reveal: Those Who Prey (Jennifer Moffett), Plus Giveaway! ~ (US Only)
Today we're excited to share the book trailer for Those Who Prey (Jennifer Moffett) ! Read on for more about Jennifer, and her book, plus the trailer & giveaway! Meet Jennifer Moffet...
Posted in News & Updates
Author Of The Week: Author Chat with Karen McManus (The Cousins), Plus Giveaway! ~ (US Only)
Welcome to our weekly special feature post, Author Of The Week !! Each week we will be interviewing a different YA author and highlighting their upcoming release! We will also be hosting a givea...
Posted in News & Updates
Indie Superstars with the Author of Born Royal + Giveaway (International)
Welcome to YA Books Central's "Indie Superstars" column. This event will spotlight the best and brightest of the indie community. You don’t want to miss out on these talented ...
Posted in News & Updates
Latest Book Listings Added
In this riveting, keenly emotional debut fantasy, a Black teen...
Twelve-year-old Rosie Singer’s mom is missing whatever it is that...
On October 2nd, 1977, Glenn Burke, outfielder for the Los...
It's been almost a year since Sila's mother traveled halfway...
Jocelyn and Alex have always been best friends...until they aren't....
From New York Times bestselling author Amy Ewing comes the...
This captivating second book in Bree Barton’s Heart of...
In the heart-pounding second book in the Shadow Skye...
Latest Member Reviews
"THE GIRL WITH THE BROKEN HEART is Lurlene McDaniel’s latest YA contemporary novel. The story follows Kenzie as she throws..."
"SOMEBODY’S BABY by Lurlene McDaniel is the perfect follow up to her novel LOSING GABRIEL, which I absolutely loved. I..."
"Losing Gabriel by Lurlene McDaniel is a story full of love, loss, and hope. The book follows the lives of..."
"The part I like about this book is When Roth Takes her down at The Homecoming dance.. Even though when..."
"Red Heart Tattoo by Lurlene McDaniel – Review I have read countless Lurlene McDaniel books and have loved..."
" Love. That is the theme of this book and it is explored in so many ways. It's..."
"I expected to cry but not so much! Even though I knew someone would die, since this is a Lurlene..."
"This was an interesting story about young love, loss and learning to move on after a senseless tragedy. There was..."
" Red Heart Tattoo is a new addition to Lurlene McDaniel's masterpieces. I've always loved her writing style, and..."
"Reader reviewed by Tina Cord Another one of Lurlene McDaniel's amazing Teen literature master pieces. Don't Die, My Love incorporates..."
"Reader reviewed by Arian hey!OMG this is the best book ever.i love this book, but then agian who can't love..."
"Reader reviewed by Sandra S. This is the story between two sisters, Erin and Amy, and the bond sisters have..."
"Reader reviewed by Daisy A story about Erin Bennet, older sister to Amy Bennet. Amy and Erin are nothing alike...."
"Reader reviewed by Crystal To start off I LOVED this book!!!!! It was amazing in so many different ways! Soon..."
"Reader reviewed by Godzgirl I did not like this book. Lurene McDaniel the author suprised me by some of..."
"Reader reviewed by lulabell0513 It was a good book about friends who give up their time to volunteer at a..."
"Reader reviewed by lulabell0513 It is a cute story about high school life for Kathleen, Holly, and Raina. This..."
"Reader reviewed by Sage Kathleen's Story is the first book in the Angels in Pink Series. It is..."
"Reader reviewed by Sage Raina's Story is the second book in the Angels in Pink Series. It is about three..."